FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
Connor Dillon, Quality Manager
(830) 308-8505
info@buildingscienceinstitute.org
RELEASE DATE:
August 4, 2023
[SAN ANTONIO, TX, 08/04/2023] — The Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a Home Certification Organization for Zero Energy Ready Home with responsibility to provide quality management and certification oversight for the Zero Energy Ready Home program. Now verification organizations and homebuilders have a choice for professional quality management oversight in the home energy rating systems industry.
Zero Energy Ready Home certified homes and apartments offer an unparalleled cost-effective, high performance package of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability to today’s housing market. The Zero Energy Ready Home label signifies a home is so energy efficient, all or most of the annual energy consumption can be offset with renewable energy. This is the home of the future demanded by consumers, manufacturers, and great homebuilders today.
The Zero Energy Ready Home program leverages more than 25 years of research from the DOE’s Building America program, and participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® New Homes and Indoor airPLUS programs.
Home Certification Organizations, such as the Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co., are independent organizations recognized by the DOE to implement programs to oversee Zero Energy Ready Home certifications for single-family and multifamily homes and apartments.
“We are thrilled to partner with the DOE to provide professional quality management oversight for Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. This program is designed to build the home of the future today and we are excited to work with the DOE to ensure housing is built for comfort, health, durability, and future applications of renewable energy so we can reduce the impact of housing on climate change.”, said Brett Dillon, general manager of Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
Brett is the former chair of the committee responsible for writing the American National Standards for Energy Rating Index calculations, inspections, and testing.
The Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. was created to improve the quality, consistency, and impartiality of the energy efficiency certification industry and, as members of the American Society for Quality, the team is focused on improving the process to deliver professional quality management.
To ensure consistency in the home certification program, the Building Science Institute partnered with HouseRater, a software development company based in Minnesota. HouseRater uses EnergyPlus, a calculation engine developed by the DOE at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to produce the code compliance calculations and the Energy Rating Index (ERI) for the Zero Energy Ready Home certification program.
“HouseRater is excited to continue offering the only fully integrated energy modeling platform through the Building Science Institute, the newly DOE-recognized Home Certification Organization for ZERH. BSI users can take projects from projected model through inspection scheduling, mobile data collection, reporting, confirmed energy modeling results, certification – now including ZERH – and quality management using a single tool, HouseRater, while providing unparalleled transparency and accountability.”, said Erik Straite, business development manager for HouseRater.
The Building Science Institute’s oversight of Zero Energy Ready Home certifications is guided by the Institute’s Quality Council, a group of industry experts charged with independent oversight of the program.
The Quality Council members are Col. Kevin Burk, US Army (Ret.), CEO of RK Burk Consulting, Inc.; Amber Wood, Director of Buildings at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE); Brian Christensen, Product Director and Chief Building Scientist of Residential Energy Management Services; Erik Straite, Business Development Manager, HouseRater, LLC; and non-voting chair Brett Dillon, General Manager of the Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
Col. Kevin Burk served in the US Army for 28 years, retiring as a colonel of Military Police before starting his business in the building science and home energy rating industry. He is a certified energy rater and International Code Council-certified Residential Energy Code Plans Examiner and Inspector.
Amber Wood directs the Buildings Program at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Amber holds a Master of Science in engineering systems from the Colorado School of Mines and is a registered professional engineer.
Brian Christensen has worked in the field of residential building science for over 20 years, applying his background in physics and mechanical engineering. He now develops software products that aim to serve the unique needs of home performance verification businesses.
Erik Straite began working in the energy rating industry as a financial auditor, then moved into roles in utility program design, implementation, and quality assurance. Erik continues his work on utility programs and provides technical support for HouseRater’s users and energy code guidance for its developers. He holds a degree in economics from Arizona State University.
Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. is a privately held company headquartered in the San Antonio, TX area.
buildingscienceinstitute.org
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home-program
houserater.com
###
BSI International Verifier Certification
BSI International Verifier Certification
The goal of the Building Science Institute (BSI) International Verifier certification scheme is to familiarize candidates outside the United States with the structure of the IECC, ANSI 301, ANSI 380, and ENERGY STAR® New Homes program. There is a specific need for those pursuing LEED Residential™ certification to be able to capture data related to the energy conservation goals of the project, and meet the requirements listed in the GBCI LEED Addenda #10443.
An International Verifier is credentialed by the Building Science Institute, and qualified to perform verification and testing in conformance with ANSI 301 and ANSI 380, understand the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and verify compliance (NOT certification) with ENERGY STAR program requirements.
BSI International Verifier, Level 1 Required Training
Prior to certification, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs (all hosted for BSI through Intellectual Ferret):
Completion of the above coursework will satisfy the requirements to be certified as a “BSI International Verifier, Level 1”. Individuals certified will have the understanding of building science fundamentals, air sealing and insulation inspections, and how to perform air infiltration and duct leakage tests, in order to comply with the GBCI LEED Addenda #10443.
After completing the prerequisite coursework, candidates will submit an International Verifier application. This will formally request the certification, and present any additional certifications such as the ASHRAE BCxP to BSI for consideration.
Upon successful application and review, the credentialed individual will be listed under BSI’s Verifier Registry, with the explicit note the certification is only applicable outside of the United States of America.
BSI International Verifier, Level 2 Required Training
In order to earn the BSI International Verifier Level 2 certification, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:
Completion of the above coursework will satisfy the requirements to be certified as a “BSI International Verifier, Level 2”. Individuals certified will have the understanding of building science fundamentals, air sealing and insulation inspections, and practically demonstrated their ability to perform air infiltration and duct leakage tests, in order to comply with the GBCI LEED Addenda #10443.
They will be listed under BSI’s Verifier Registry, with the explicit note the certification is only applicable outside of the United States of America.
Recertification
BSI International Verifiers (Level 1 and Level 2) must annually earn 6 continuing education units (CEUs).
These CEUs can be earned from an accredited or approved source. Examples include, but are not limited to workshops, seminars, and webinars from the following:
BSI International Verifiers must submit a certificate of completion (or other form that verifies completion) to BSI. As long as 6 CEUs are earned and submitted within a calendar year, BSI International Verifiers will automatically meet the recertification requirements.
Note 1: If a candidate earns the BSI International Verifier certification after more than 75% of a calendar year has been completed, the recertification requirements for the remaining year will be waived.
Note 2: If a BSI International Verifier (Level 1 or 2) fails to submit CEUs for recertification before the end of a calendar year, they must submit 6 CEUs within the first 90 days of the next calendar year and earn an additional 6 CEUs during the remainder of the new calendar year.
Note 3: CEUs do not “roll-over”. If a BSI International Verifier earns 12 CEUs in a calendar year, those CEUs are only applicable to satisfy the recertification requirements of that calendar year.
Note on ENERGY STAR New Homes Certification
Unless the host country of the project has an agreement with the federal government of the United States of America, projects can NOT be certified as ENERGY STAR, but can show compliance with program requirements.
BSI Staff will provide feedback and interpretations to project teams on ENERGY STAR New Homes requirements which may not be wholly applicable to a project depending on local requirements.
AHFC Energy Efficiency NOW 2024 Conference
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) will be hosting a conference in Anchorage, AK from February 21 to 22, 2024, at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown. Make sure you save the date!
Several sessions will be presented by Connor Dillon, our Quality Manager. These sessions will focus on the improvements needed to meet ENERGY STAR®, best practices for builders and raters, and what it takes toearn the new version of the 45L Builder Tax Credit.
Keep an eye on AHFC’s website for updates and registration!
Click here for more details!
OffsiteDirt, featuring Connor from BSI
Our Quality Manager, Connor Dillon, was invited to join the Offsite Dirt podcast. Watch above, or click the button below to visit OffSiteDirt.com.
And learn more about Offsite construction
U.S. Department of Energy Recognizes Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. as National Home Certification Organization for Zero Energy Ready Home
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
Connor Dillon, Quality Manager
(830) 308-8505
info@buildingscienceinstitute.org
RELEASE DATE:
August 4, 2023
[SAN ANTONIO, TX, 08/04/2023] — The Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a Home Certification Organization for Zero Energy Ready Home with responsibility to provide quality management and certification oversight for the Zero Energy Ready Home program. Now verification organizations and homebuilders have a choice for professional quality management oversight in the home energy rating systems industry.
Zero Energy Ready Home certified homes and apartments offer an unparalleled cost-effective, high performance package of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability to today’s housing market. The Zero Energy Ready Home label signifies a home is so energy efficient, all or most of the annual energy consumption can be offset with renewable energy. This is the home of the future demanded by consumers, manufacturers, and great homebuilders today.
The Zero Energy Ready Home program leverages more than 25 years of research from the DOE’s Building America program, and participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® New Homes and Indoor airPLUS programs.
Home Certification Organizations, such as the Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co., are independent organizations recognized by the DOE to implement programs to oversee Zero Energy Ready Home certifications for single-family and multifamily homes and apartments.
“We are thrilled to partner with the DOE to provide professional quality management oversight for Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. This program is designed to build the home of the future today and we are excited to work with the DOE to ensure housing is built for comfort, health, durability, and future applications of renewable energy so we can reduce the impact of housing on climate change.”, said Brett Dillon, general manager of Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
Brett is the former chair of the committee responsible for writing the American National Standards for Energy Rating Index calculations, inspections, and testing.
The Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. was created to improve the quality, consistency, and impartiality of the energy efficiency certification industry and, as members of the American Society for Quality, the team is focused on improving the process to deliver professional quality management.
To ensure consistency in the home certification program, the Building Science Institute partnered with HouseRater, a software development company based in Minnesota. HouseRater uses EnergyPlus, a calculation engine developed by the DOE at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to produce the code compliance calculations and the Energy Rating Index (ERI) for the Zero Energy Ready Home certification program.
“HouseRater is excited to continue offering the only fully integrated energy modeling platform through the Building Science Institute, the newly DOE-recognized Home Certification Organization for ZERH. BSI users can take projects from projected model through inspection scheduling, mobile data collection, reporting, confirmed energy modeling results, certification – now including ZERH – and quality management using a single tool, HouseRater, while providing unparalleled transparency and accountability.”, said Erik Straite, business development manager for HouseRater.
The Building Science Institute’s oversight of Zero Energy Ready Home certifications is guided by the Institute’s Quality Council, a group of industry experts charged with independent oversight of the program.
The Quality Council members are Col. Kevin Burk, US Army (Ret.), CEO of RK Burk Consulting, Inc.; Amber Wood, Director of Buildings at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE); Brian Christensen, Product Director and Chief Building Scientist of Residential Energy Management Services; Erik Straite, Business Development Manager, HouseRater, LLC; and non-voting chair Brett Dillon, General Manager of the Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
Col. Kevin Burk served in the US Army for 28 years, retiring as a colonel of Military Police before starting his business in the building science and home energy rating industry. He is a certified energy rater and International Code Council-certified Residential Energy Code Plans Examiner and Inspector.
Amber Wood directs the Buildings Program at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Amber holds a Master of Science in engineering systems from the Colorado School of Mines and is a registered professional engineer.
Brian Christensen has worked in the field of residential building science for over 20 years, applying his background in physics and mechanical engineering. He now develops software products that aim to serve the unique needs of home performance verification businesses.
Erik Straite began working in the energy rating industry as a financial auditor, then moved into roles in utility program design, implementation, and quality assurance. Erik continues his work on utility programs and provides technical support for HouseRater’s users and energy code guidance for its developers. He holds a degree in economics from Arizona State University.
Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co. is a privately held company headquartered in the San Antonio, TX area.
buildingscienceinstitute.org
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home-program
houserater.com
###
ENERGY STAR® Software Analyst Level 2
ENERGY STAR Software Analysts credentialed by the Building Science Institute are qualified to perform software analysis for the ENERGY STAR New Homes Multi Family program; perform software analysis in conformance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019, 380-2019, and ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310-2020; and perform software analysis for the ICC Energy Code Prescriptive, UA, Cost Performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance paths. They are NOT qualified to perform verifications, inspections, and testing and must work with a qualified Verifier/Field Verifier credentialed by the Building Science Institute. They are NOT qualified to perform software analysis for Indoor airPLUS or Zero Energy Ready Home program homes.
ENERGY STAR Software Analyst Level 2 Required Training
Prior to credentialing, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs:
ENERGY STAR Software Analyst Level 2 Required Assessments
ENERGY STAR Software Analyst Level 2 Competencies
ENERGY STAR Software Analysts must demonstrate knowledge of:
ENERGY STAR® Field Verifier Level 2
ENERGY STAR Field Verifier Level 2 must be credentialed by the Building Science Institute as ENERGY STAR Field Verifier Level 1 first. They are qualified to perform verifications and testing for the ENERGY STAR New Homes Multi Family program; perform verifications and testing in conformance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019, 380-2019, and ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310-2020; and perform inspections and testing for the ICC Energy Code Prescriptive, UA, Cost Performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance paths. They are NOT qualified to perform software analysis and must work with a qualified Software Analyst credentialed by the Building Science Institute. They are NOT qualified to perform verifications or testing for Indoor airPLUS or Zero Energy Ready Home programs.
ENERGY STAR Field Verifier Level 2 Required Training
Prior to credentialing, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs:
ENERGY STAR Field Verifier Level 2 Required Assessments
ENERGY STAR Field Verifier Level 2 Competencies
ENERGY STAR Field Verifiers must demonstrate knowledge of:
ENERGY STAR® Verifier Level 2
ENERGY STAR Verifiers credentialed by the Building Science Institute are qualified to perform verifications, testing, and software analysis for the ENERGY STAR New Homes Multi Family programs; perform verifications, testing, and software analysis in conformance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019, 380-2019, and ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310-2020; and perform inspections, testing, and software analysis for the ICC Energy Code Prescriptive, UA, Cost Performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance paths. They are NOT qualified to perform verifications, testing, and software analysis for the Indoor airPLUS, or Zero Energy Ready Home programs.
ENERGY STAR Verifier Level 2 Required Training
Prior to credentialing, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs:
ENERGY STAR Verifier Level 2 Required Assessments
ENERGY STAR Verifier Level 2 Competencies
ENERGY STAR Verifiers must demonstrate knowledge of:
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 2
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 2 is credentialed by the Building Science Institute to perform verifications, testing, and software analysis for the Zero Energy Ready Home Multi Family program; perform verifications, testing, and software analysis in conformance with referenced standards, codes, and program requirements; and perform inspections, testing, and software analysis for the ICC Energy Code Prescriptive, UA, Cost Performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance paths.
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 2 Required Training
Prior to credentialing, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs:
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 2 Required Assessments
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 2 Competencies
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifiers must demonstrate knowledge of:
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 1
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 1 is credentialed by the Building Science Institute to perform verifications, testing, and software analysis for the Zero Energy Ready Home Single Family program; perform verifications, testing, and software analysis in conformance with referenced standards, codes, and program requirements; and perform inspections, testing, and software analysis for the ICC Energy Code Prescriptive, UA, Cost Performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance paths. They are NOT qualified to perform verifications, testing, and software analysis for the Zero Energy Ready Home Multi Family program.
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 1 Required Training
Prior to credentialing, candidates must successfully complete the following training programs:
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 1 Required Assessments
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifier Level 1 Competencies
Zero Energy Ready Home Verifiers must demonstrate knowledge of:
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